A conceptual model of the social–ecological system of nature-based solutions in urban environments

This article provides a perspective on nature-based solutions. First, the argument is developed that nature-based solutions integrate social and ecological systems. Then, theoretical considerations relating to relational values, multifunctionality, transdisciplinarity, and polycentric governance are briefly outlined. Finally, a conceptual model of the social–ecological system of nature-based solutions is synthesised and presented. This conceptual model comprehensively defines the social and ecological external and internal systems that make up nature-based solutions, and identifies theoretical considerations that need to be addressed at different stages of their planning and implementation The model bridges the normative gaps of existing nature-based solution frameworks and could be used for consistent, comprehensive, and transferable comparisons internationally. The theoretical considerations addressed in this article inform practitioners, policymakers, and researchers about the essential components of nature-based solutions. The conceptual model can facilitate the identification of social and ecological interconnections within nature-based solutions and the range of stakeholders and disciplines involved.     

Synthesis and characterization of FSB@Fe3O4 composites and application in removal of indigo carmine dye from industrial wastewaters

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - The syntheses and characterization of fish scale biochar magnetic composites (FSB@Fe3O4) and their applications in the removal of indigo carmine dye...     

Some observations on heavy metal concentrations in soils of the Mendip region of north Somerset

Topsoiis in the Mendip Hills of north Somerset are strongly enriched in Pb, Zn and Cd. While much of this enrichment is the result of pollution stemming from previous base metal mining, analyses of soil profile samples reveals that, in several cases, there is considerable enrichment of heavy metals with depth. This, together with relatively high levels of base metals in samples of the limestone and sandstone bedrocks, suggests that some of the enrichment in soil of heavy metals is due to natural processes.     

Comparison of larval fish assemblages in three large estuarine systems, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

 The structure of the larval fish assemblages in three large estuarine systems on the KwaZulu-Natal coast of South Africa was examined using a combination of univariate, distributional and multivariate techniques. The database was comprised of a full annual set of larval fish samples taken from each estuarine system: Durban Harbour, Richards Bay Harbour and St Lucia Estuary. The mean monthly densities of each species in each system were used in the species matrix, and the mean monthly values of salinity, temperature and turbidity were used in the environmental matrix. The mean species diversity and evenness index were significantly higher in Durban Harbour (H′ = 1.03, J′ = 0.65) than in the other two systems. The cumulative dominance curve showed that St Lucia Estuary has a high dominance of a few species, with Richards Bay Harbour intermediate and Durban Harbour being the most diverse. Classification and MDS (multiple-dimensional scaling) analyses of larval fish densities in all three systems grouped together into three main clusters on the basis of system. The species similarity matrix (inverse analysis) clustered into five groups at the 25% similarity level. The MDS analysis of the same matrix showed that the groups separated out according to the degree of estuarine association of a species and hence habitat type. The species most responsible for system groupings were: Glossogobius callidus, Gilchristella aestuaria, Stolephorus holodon, Croilia mossambica and Gobiid 12. The “best fitting” of the environmental variables to explain the larval fish community patterns in each system was turbidity on its own (weighted Spearman's rank correlation, ρ_w = 0.55). The relationship of larval densities to environmental conditions was shown to be species-specific with estuarine species (e.g. G. callidus and G. aestuaria), having a strong positive correlation with temperature and turbidity but negative correlations with salinity. In summary, much longer term studies with more sites within each system are needed to assess whether the larval fish assemblages are stable or at an equilibrium (both spatially and temporally) and whether these assemblages are indicative of the relative “health” and nursery function of the system. Received: 28 April 1999 / Accepted: 30 May 2000     

Population Trends and the Koala Conservation Debate

Abstract: A critical issue affecting the long-term management of koalas is their perceived conservation status. Koalas still occur in many areas throughout their historical range, but numbers of animals are estimated to vary from <100,000 to at least one order of magnitude higher. Complex factors limit free-ranging koala populations, including food tree preferences, history of disturbance, and Chlamydia infection, all of which make longer-term population trends of many populations difficult to predict. Lack of consensus regarding the size and viability of remaining populations and regarding the extent of and reasons for decline, overabundance or in some instances, hinders the conservation task. A reappraisal of population trends suggests that, notwithstanding localized management issues in Victoria and South Australia, overall the species is "vulnerable" on the basis of current World Conservation Union criteria. Recommendations for more effective conservation of koalas include (1) acknowledging the legitimacy of differing perspectives, (2) recognizing the uncertainty and assumptions inherent in population estimates and trends, (3) applying greater rigor and developing better standards for monitoring population trends, and (4) being cautious in assigning conservation status to national, state, and regional populations.     

Managing environmental knowledge through unlearning in Spanish hospitality companies

The Spanish hospitality industry is facing environmental challenges which require organizations and individuals to learn new skills and practices and create new environmental knowledge. Understanding the nature and role of prior knowledge for sustainable development is a necessary step towards understanding if new environmental practices will be adopted successfully. This research focuses on unlearning and its impact on environmental knowledge by carrying out an empirical investigation of the unlearning context in 127 Spanish hospitality companies. The findings indicate that a process for consolidating emergent understandings would appear to be an intermediary step between the forgetting of old knowledge and the application of new environmental knowledge. Consequently, it is important that managers provide an appropriate unlearning context to support the openness of individuals to new ideas and environmental awareness. Otherwise, individuals may be fearful of or confused by the prospect of unlearning old habits and routines.     

Vegetable Oil Spills - Pollution Or Over-Cautiousness?

Vegetable oil spills are relatively uncommon compared to those of mineral oil in the marine environment. Evidence from the spillages that have occurred indicate that they can cause the death of animals in the vicinity through suffocation, inhibition of feeding and other non-specific toxic effects. Smothering of the intertidal area may lead to the development of anoxic conditions with associated changes in species diversity. Polymerisation appears to be a key process in determining the persistence of these oils in the intertidal region. Experiments have indicated that indigenous bacteria are capable of degrading the oil until it polymerises and work is being directed towards determining mechanisms to aid in the degradation process. in conclusion, vegetable oils are pollutants although the risk to the marine environment is small but that does not mean we should not be prepared for such events.     

Getting the Scale Right: A Comparison of Analytical Methods for Vulnerability Assessment and Household-level Targeting

This paper introduces broad concepts of vulnerability, food security and famine. It argues that the concepts and theories driving development and implementation of vulnerability assessment tools are related to their utility. The review concludes that socio-geographic scale is a key issue, and challenge. It analyses three vulnerability assessment (VA) methods, using Ethiopia as a case study. Facing the challenges of vulnerability assessment and early warning requires providing accurate information at the required scale, useful for multiple decision-makers within realistic institutional capacities.